MARTIN Larkin believes the next four games will be key in shaping Tunbridge Wells' season, writes Glenn Garrett.

The Culverden outfit host Erith Town on Saturday, before travelling down to league new boys Canterbury City the following weekend. They then host VCD under floodlights on the Tuesday night before finishing the month with a trip to Erith and Belvedere.

"They are four very, very tough games," Larkin said. "But I am excited by them. They are all teams in and around us and we need to be beating those teams. It will not only be three points for us, it will stop them picking up points as well. It's a great run of games, but they are all very winnable. At the same time, if we don't turn up, they could be losses. We need to turn up mentally and physically ready."

The week off – Saturday's clash with Herne Bay was one of many to fall foul of the big freeze – came at a good time for Wells, as it has given the likes of Andy Irvine time to shake off niggling injuries.

It has also given Larkin the chance to look at a couple of players in training and he has moved to snap up former Crowborough Athletic forward Charlie Ottway, who has most recently been plying his trade down at Ringmer.

"I think he was struggling with the travelling down there," Larkin said. "I got him in on Thursday and he was very sharp. He's very quick and his finishing is good. I'm excited to see him in a game situation. Pace like his always causes problems at our level. We've got that option now.

"We already had pace out wide, but not through the middle. That is where he wants to play and we will use him up there. When his chance comes, he has to make sure he takes it."